5 Ways to Be a Healing Balm
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I could not watch the video. Everything in me wanted to cry and throw up at once.
Instead, I closed my web browser and picked up my phone.
“Someone turn off the news please,” I texted to my best friend.
Her response captured my sentiments exactly: “The rapture would be good right about now.”
I’m ready.
I’m ready for overwhelming joy, implacable peace, and perfect love.
I’m ready for the “no mores.” No more weeping. No more hatred. No more violence. No more sorrow and death.
I’m ready for suffering to be a distant memory.
Unfortunately, God’s time-table is not mine. I am still here in this broken world living and breathing and trying to figure out how to love my neighbor — even if he is holding an assault rifle or gripping my neck in a choke hold until I can’t breathe.
I am here for such a time as this. I am here to be a voice crying out in the wilderness. I am here to shine my little light brightly in a dark place until blind eyes are opened and captives are set free.
I am not allowed to bury my head the sand and hope that someone else will clean up this mess.
I must jump into the mess with the love of Christ.
Earth has no sorrow that heaven cannot heal, so I must use my hands and feet to bring God’s transforming touch to those who need him so desperately.
5 Ways to Be a Healing Balm in a Broken World
- Listen: Rather than choose sides, affirm that the emotions and positions of each person should be valued. No one is right. We all need to learn from one another.
- Weep: Grieve with the hurting. Step into their pain to extend compassion. Standing on a soapbox of self-righteousness only opens the wound of another further.
- Pray: “Prayer is the soil in which hope and healing grow best.” [Source] Ask God to bring peace and reconciliation.
- Give: Extend the hand of kindness and friendship to the hurting. Tender-hearted service is a remedy that soothes the trauma.
- Speak: Tell the hurting how God has healed you. Don’t be afraid to share your story with those who need God’s restoration.
Don’t closet yourself up from the chaos. Step out and apply the salve of God’s love and mercy to a hurting world.
Something to think about…
There you go again, calling me out of my cave. Thanks for your five tips — #5 is definitely the toughest!
Well, I am actually telling myself to get out of my cave, but if you want to join me in being brave then that will make it less scary all around.
Lyli, this is such a beautiful post, and I like your 5 responses. I especially like #1. Listen. Sometimes around the kitchen table with my teens, I find it hard not to get worked up as we discuss politics, daily events (everything from gay marriage to #blacklivesmatter). Sometimes I feel they veer from Biblical values as they grapple to make sense of the world, and they see many poor models from the church, sad to say.
That word “Listen” gives me the wise reminder I need.
Of course I want to pray for our nation and look beyond the kitchen table. I”m just thinking aloud here because my teens feel these things DEEPLY.
What’s the source for “Earth Has No Sorrow That Heaven Can’t Heal?” Did you write it, or is it a quote. Wanted to tweet later, but want to be sure. 🙂
Praying for you & your family this morning, mama. The quote is from a hymn by Thomas Moore called “Come Ye, Disconsolate.” More recently, it is also a line in David Crowder’s song “Come As You Are.”
Great tips, great blog. Thanks for the link-up.
Yes, yes, yes. I love all five of your tips, Lyli. There are times I’d like to just stay curled up in bed too and ignore it all. But for this truth: “I am here for such a time as this.” Thanks for sharing strong encouragement during a hard month.
I just read a devotional on Esther this week. She lived in dark times, too. We don’t have the corner market on chaos….
Very good advice, thank you.
“Don’t closet yourself up from the chaos. Step out and apply the salve of God’s love and mercy to a hurting world.” It’s so easy to simply turn inward, isn’t it? But reaching out, touching, loving – oh, the God’s goodness found there. Encouraging words here, Lyli. Thank you, friend.
It’s not easy to step into the pain, but I know Jesus wouldn’t be standing in the sidelines.
Lyli, your five responses are so right for this time! I have been searching my heart.
Me, too.
This is such a needed post, Lyli! People are at a loss for what to do and how to respond with all the craziness going on. I love your suggestions on how to be a healing balm. Sharing this today! ?
Praying He will show us the way. xo
Your points are wonderful. Thank you, Lyli!
Lyli, a wonderful post with exactly what we need to do to survive these times we are living. May we be a people holding out the love, hope, and mercy of our God. Great post, Lyli!
Lyli, thanks for the practical ways we can be a blessing in a dying, hurting world and thanks for hosting each week. Come, Lord Jesus!
Amen, Lyli! Be the balm, be the light. Our prayers and actions, our voice – it all makes a difference for the Kingdom. Blessings on your Sabbath!